Curated grant database
Church grants and funding
Browse 22 active federal, state, denomination, and foundation grants available to churches and houses of worship. Free, no signup, with eligibility and award details for every program. Always confirm current deadlines on the issuing agency's website.
22
Active grant programs
5 federal · 6 state · 5 denomination · 6 foundation
$1K to $50M
Award range
Across all programs tracked
4
Funding categories
Federal, state, denomination, foundation
Free
Always free to browse
No signup, no follow-up emails
Featured grant
Award range
$25,000 to $500,000
Deadline cadence
Annual
FoundationIssued by Kresge Foundation
Kresge Foundation Sacred Spaces Grant
The Kresge Foundation Sacred Spaces Grant supports historic religious buildings that contribute to community development and serve as cultural anchors in their neighborhoods.
The database
Filter and explore church grants
FederalAnnual
Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC)
Issued by FEMA
FEMA's BRIC program supports states, local communities, tribes, and territories as they undertake hazard mitigation projects, reducing the risks they face from disasters.
Award
$50,000 to $50,000,000
Eligibility
National · All
Disaster ReliefOperations
Open program site →FederalRolling
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
Issued by HUD
HUD's CDBG program provides annual grants to states, cities, and counties to develop viable communities by providing decent housing, suitable living environments, and economic opportunities.
Award
Varies by locality
Eligibility
National · All
Community OutreachRenovationOperations
Open program site →FederalRolling
Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program
Issued by USDA
The USDA Community Facilities program provides affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in rural areas. Eligible facilities include churches and houses of worship in eligible areas.
Award
$5,000 to $500,000
Eligibility
Rural · All
ConstructionRenovation
Open program site →FederalAnnual
Preservation Assistance Grants for Smaller Institutions
Issued by NEH
NEH Preservation Assistance Grants help small and mid-sized institutions, including houses of worship with historic collections, improve their ability to preserve and care for humanities collections.
Award
Up to $10,000
Eligibility
National · All
Historic PreservationOperations
Open program site →FederalRolling
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP)
Issued by FEMA
FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program provides funding to state, tribal, and local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures after a presidential disaster declaration.
Award
$25,000 to $10,000,000
Eligibility
National · All
ConstructionDisaster Relief
Open program site →StateAnnual
California Historic Preservation Grants (HPF)
Issued by CA Office of Historic Preservation
The California Office of Historic Preservation administers federal Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) grants to support the identification, evaluation, and protection of California historic resources.
Award
$25,000 to $500,000
Eligibility
CA · All
Historic PreservationRenovation
View details →StateAnnual
Texas Historic Preservation Grant Program
Issued by Texas Historical Commission
The Texas Historical Commission (THC) awards grants annually to preserve and protect Texas's irreplaceable historical and archaeological assets. Religious properties are eligible for restoration funding.
Award
$20,000 to $250,000
Eligibility
TX · All
Historic PreservationRenovation
View details →StateAnnual
Special Category Grants for Historic Preservation
Issued by Florida Division of Historical Resources
Florida's Special Category grant program funds preservation and development projects for properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Religious properties qualify.
Award
$50,000 to $500,000
Eligibility
FL · All
Historic PreservationRenovation
View details →StateAnnual
NYSCA Community Arts Development Regrant Program
Issued by NY State Council on the Arts
The New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) supports the arts through direct grants and a decentralized regrant program administered by local arts agencies. Houses of worship may apply.
Award
$1,000 to $25,000
Eligibility
NY · All
MinistryCommunity Outreach
View details →StateAnnual
Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund
Issued by MA Cultural Council
The Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund supports capital improvements to cultural facilities, including historic religious buildings that serve as community gathering places.
Award
$15,000 to $200,000
Eligibility
MA · All
RenovationConstruction
View details →StateAnnual
Vermont Historic Preservation Grant Program
Issued by VT Division for Historic Preservation
Vermont's Historic Preservation Grant program awards funding to nonprofit organizations and municipalities for the preservation of historic buildings, including religious facilities.
Award
$5,000 to $100,000
Eligibility
VT · All
Historic PreservationRenovation
View details →DenominationRolling
Church Strengthening Grant
Issued by AGFinancial
AGFinancial's Church Strengthening Grants provide financial assistance to Assemblies of God churches facing critical facility needs or ministry expansion opportunities.
Award
$5,000 to $50,000
Eligibility
National · Assemblies of God
RenovationOperations
View details →DenominationRolling
LCEF Mission Investment Fund Grant
Issued by Lutheran Church Extension Fund
LCEF Mission Investment Fund grants support Missouri Synod Lutheran congregations in new church starts, facility expansion, and renovation projects.
Award
$10,000 to $100,000
Eligibility
National · Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
ConstructionRenovation
View details →DenominationAnnual
New Worshipping Communities Grant
Issued by Presbyterian Foundation
The Presbyterian Foundation's New Worshipping Communities grants support PC(USA) congregations and mid-councils planting new worshipping communities and innovative ministry models.
Award
$10,000 to $75,000
Eligibility
National · Presbyterian Church USA
MinistryOperations
View details →DenominationRolling
Advance Special Ministry Grants
Issued by United Methodist Church
The United Methodist Church's Advance program channels direct charitable giving to approved projects working in mission. Local churches can receive Advance Special funding for community ministry projects.
Award
Varies by project
Eligibility
National · United Methodist Church
MinistryCommunity Outreach
View details →DenominationRolling
Episcopal Church Building Fund
Issued by Episcopal Church Building Fund
The Episcopal Church Building Fund offers technical assistance and grants to Episcopal congregations facing strategic decisions about their buildings and ministry futures.
Award
$5,000 to $100,000
Eligibility
National · Episcopal
ConstructionRenovation
View details →FoundationAnnual
Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative
Issued by Lilly Endowment
Lilly Endowment's Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative supports efforts to strengthen the long-term financial health and sustainability of Christian congregations. Grants are awarded competitively.
Award
$100,000 to $5,000,000
Eligibility
National · Christian
MinistryOperations
View details →FoundationAnnual
Rural Church Program Grants
Issued by Duke Endowment
The Duke Endowment's Rural Church program supports United Methodist congregations in the Carolinas to remain vital centers of spiritual and community life.
Award
$10,000 to $150,000
Eligibility
NC, SC · United Methodist
RenovationMinistry
View details →FoundationAnnual
1772 Foundation Sacred Places Grants
Issued by 1772 Foundation
The 1772 Foundation supports the preservation of historic New England meeting houses and sacred spaces that serve as anchors of community life. Grants are available for structural and envelope work.
Award
$5,000 to $75,000
Eligibility
CT, NY, NJ, MA, ME, NH · All
Historic PreservationRenovation
View details →FoundationAnnual
National Fund for Sacred Places
Issued by Partners for Sacred Places + Lilly Endowment
The National Fund for Sacred Places, administered by Partners for Sacred Places and funded by Lilly Endowment, provides capacity-building support and capital grants to historic houses of worship.
Award
$50,000 to $250,000
Eligibility
National · All
Historic PreservationRenovation
View details →FoundationAnnual
Nonprofit Sustainability Initiative
Issued by CA Community Foundation
The California Community Foundation's Nonprofit Sustainability Initiative provides capacity-building grants to Los Angeles County nonprofits, including religious organizations.
Award
$10,000 to $100,000
Eligibility
CA · All
OperationsCommunity Outreach
View details →FoundationAnnual
Kresge Foundation Sacred Spaces Grant
Issued by Kresge Foundation
The Kresge Foundation Sacred Spaces Grant supports historic religious buildings that contribute to community development and serve as cultural anchors in their neighborhoods.
Award
$25,000 to $500,000
Eligibility
National · All
ConstructionRenovationCommunity Outreach
View details →Pair grants with the right loan
Most church projects use both. Run our free readiness assessment to see how grants fit into your capital stack.
Grants usually cover a slice of the budget. How churches fund the rest:Church construction loansCapital campaignsToday's church loan rates
Funding sources
Browse grants by funding source
Each source has its own application style, award size, and timeline. Start with the one that fits your project and your church's profile.
Federal5 grants
Federal grants
Programs from FEMA, HUD, USDA, and NEH. Often the largest awards, but the most competitive and document-heavy.
Example
Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC)
State6 grants
State grants
State-level historic preservation, cultural facilities, and arts funding programs that include houses of worship.
Example
California Historic Preservation Grants (HPF)
Denomination5 grants
Denomination grants
Mission and extension funds from major denominations. Best rates and fastest decisions for member congregations.
Example
Church Strengthening Grant
Foundation6 grants
Foundation grants
Private foundations and family foundations that fund church operations, ministry, and historic preservation.
Example
Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative
Browse grants by purpose
Jump straight to grants for a specific need.
How to apply
The 5-step grant application process
Most churches apply to grants reactively when they hear about a deadline. A repeatable process turns grants into a real funding channel instead of a one-time scramble.
011 to 2 hours
Identify matching programs
Filter the database to grants that match your project type, denomination, and state. Bookmark every program where you meet at least the headline eligibility.
022 to 4 hours per grant
Verify eligibility
Read each grant's full eligibility criteria on the issuing agency's site. Many programs require specific 501(c)(3) status, geographic limits, project types, or matching funds.
031 to 2 weeks
Build your project narrative
Write a clear, fundable story: the project, the community served, the measurable impact, and the budget. The same narrative is reusable across multiple applications.
041 week
Gather supporting documents
Most grants require: IRS determination letter, audited financials, Board resolution, project budget, photos or drawings, and letters of support. Build a shared folder.
05Ongoing
Submit and track
Submit each application before the deadline. Track every submission, follow-up requests, and decisions in a spreadsheet. Decisions can take 60 to 180 days.
Red flags
6 mistakes that sink grant applications
We see these patterns repeatedly in declined applications. Most are avoidable if you catch them before submitting.
#1
Applying without reading full eligibility
Headline eligibility ("nonprofits") often hides specific requirements like geographic limits, project size, or matching funds. Read the full RFP before drafting.
Automatic rejection
#2
Writing the project narrative for the church, not the funder
Funders care about community impact, measurable outcomes, and alignment with their mission. Lead with their priorities, then explain how your project delivers.
Low scores on competitive grants
#3
Skipping the Board resolution
Most grants require a formal Board resolution authorizing the application and accepting any matching commitment. Get it on the Board agenda 60+ days before the deadline.
Disqualification at final review
#4
Underestimating matching fund requirements
Many grants require 25 to 100% matching funds, in cash or in-kind. Confirm what counts as a match and have it documented before applying.
Grant offer rescinded
#5
Missing the audited financial requirement
Larger grants (typically $50K+) require audited or reviewed financials. If your church only does compilations, budget 3 to 6 months and $5K to $20K to get a review done.
Cannot apply to top-tier programs
#6
Treating grants as one-time, not a program
Churches that win grants build a repeatable system: a narrative library, a deadlines calendar, and a small grants committee. One-off applications rarely succeed.
Inconsistent funding pipeline
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Yes, for most federal programs that fund community development, historic preservation, and disaster mitigation. Federal grants cannot be used for religious activities directly (worship services, religious education materials), but can fund building preservation, community outreach programs, disaster mitigation, and infrastructure projects. Programs like FEMA BRIC, HUD CDBG, USDA Community Facilities, and NEH Preservation Assistance Grants are all open to churches.
No. A grant is non-dilutive capital that does not need to be repaid (unlike a loan). The trade-off is that grants are more competitive, take longer to receive, and often come with reporting requirements. Most churches use grants alongside loans, not instead of them.
From application to award: 90 to 180 days is typical for federal and foundation grants; 60 to 120 days for state and denomination grants. Many programs only review applications once or twice a year, so plan your project timeline accordingly. Some denominational programs have rolling applications and faster decisions.
A matching funds requirement means you have to commit your own money (or in-kind support) alongside the grant. Common ratios: 1:1 (you put up the same amount as the grant), 1:3 (you put up 25% of total), or 3:1 (you put up 75%). Cash matches are simpler; in-kind matches (volunteer time, donated services) require detailed documentation. Confirm what counts before applying.
No. Receiving and using a grant for an approved purpose is fully consistent with 501(c)(3) status. However, federal grants come with restrictions on how the funds can be spent (no religious activities) and reporting requirements. As long as you follow the program rules, your tax-exempt status is not at risk.
Yes, and you usually should. Most church capital projects are funded by stacking multiple sources: one or two large grants, denominational support, capital campaign pledges, and a loan. Just be transparent on each application about other funding sources and amounts. Some programs prohibit double-funding for the same line items.
Smaller denominations often have grant programs you've never heard of. Check directly with your regional judicatory (presbytery, diocese, conference, district) and your national denominational headquarters. Many denominations don't advertise their grants widely and only fund member congregations.
Yes, especially denomination grants designed for new church starts (Presbyterian Foundation New Worshipping Communities, AGFinancial church planting programs, etc.). Foundation grants tend to favor established organizations with audited financials. Federal grants vary by program. Start with denominational and small foundation grants while building your track record.
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Understanding grants
What every church Board should know
Four foundational concepts that determine whether grants are worth the effort for your church.
Grants are not free money
Every grant comes with restrictions, reporting requirements, and matching obligations. Calculate the total cost (staff time + match + reporting) before deciding a grant is worth pursuing.
Federal vs foundation grants are different products
Federal grants are formula-based and rule-bound. Foundation grants are relationship-based and judgment-bound. Different applications, different timelines, different success factors.
Most church grants fund specific projects, not operations
Roof repairs, sanctuary preservation, ADA upgrades, and community programs are fundable. General operating support is rare. Frame your need as a discrete project with measurable outcomes.
Audited financials unlock the top tier
Grants over ~$50K typically require audited or reviewed financials. If your church only does compilations, that's the single biggest readiness improvement you can make for grant access.
Free · 15 minutes · No account
See if your church is grant-ready.
Our free assessment evaluates the same factors most grant reviewers weigh: governance, financials, project clarity, match capacity, and track record.
Sample grant-readiness score
78 / 10078/ 100
Strong Candidate
You meet baseline eligibility for most grants in our database. Tightening match capacity moves you to top-tier programs.
Audited financials
18/20
Project plan clarity
14/15
Board governance
9/10
Eligible 501(c)(3)
10/10
Match capacity
7/10
Track record
4/5